Author: Space Commerce Under Way

February 20, 1985|By Marcia H. Pounds, Business Writer

The space shuttle flights are an indication the commercialization of space has already begun, according to Edward R. Finch Jr.

Finch is a New York lawyer specializing in space commerce who co-wrote Astrobusiness: A Guide to the Commerce and Law of Outer Space. He was scheduled to speak on the topic at 1 p.m. today before the Palm Beach Round Table at the Hyatt Hotel in West Palm Beach.

In an interview Tuesday, Finch described the business opportunities becoming available due to the purity and uniformity of space manufacturing.

Finch said molecular particles can be separated in space so new drugs can be created. Metals forged in space can be lighter weight yet stronger.

Just the ability to harness solar energy will open an $80 billion market in the future, he said. And in his book Finch says the worldwide market for new or improved drugs manufactured in space could mean sales as high as $20 billion a year.

``By the year 2000, there will be 10,000 people living out there, engaged in space manufacturing,`` Finch said.

There already are 350 companies doing business in outer space. They include many well-known large companies such as General Electric, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing and Rockwell International. Developments range from direct broadcast satellite for television -- without cable or antenna dishes -- to space manufacturing of new medicines such as interferon.

Finch said smaller companies also can benefit from space technology. He pointed to several small firms that offer image-processing services -- enhancing photographs taken by satellites for use in oil and mineral exploration.

Finch, former chairman of the Aerospace Law Committee of the American Bar Association, said he wrote Astrobusiness with co-author Amanda Lee Moore to give the business person ``the whole picture of outer space -- the economic side, cost vs. benefits, diplomatic and political sides.``